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Taigan Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Taigan so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank473
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Taigan dog profile picture
OriginKyrgyzstan flagKyrgyzstan
Other Names
What other names does the Taigan have?
Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya TaiganTajganKyrgyz Sighthound
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Taigan Size and Weight

Size
Is a Taigan small, medium or large dog?

How big do Taigan get?

What is the average size of a Taigan?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Taigan weigh? How much should a Taigan weight? What is the normal weight of a Taigan? How much does a full-grown Taigan weight?
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Taigan?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Taigan? Taigan height:
Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Taigan?
Male: 25 inches (65 cm), Female: 24 inches (62 cm)

Taigan Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Taigan puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Taigan in the United States? How much money is a Taigan?

Where to buy a Taigan with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Taigan. If you have a Taigan for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Taigan gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Taigan? How many Taigan are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Taigan Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Taigan? Is the Taigan breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Taigan dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Taigan is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Taigan dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Taigan?
Taigan dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Taigan good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Taigan dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Taigan dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Taigan dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Taigan dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Taigan Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Taigan have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentSensitiveIntelligentOutrightQuietCalmVigilantReserved
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Taigan sensitivity:
Sensitive: Taigan dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Taigan a good family dog?
Average to High: Taigan dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan need? Taigan social needs:
Taigan dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Taigan to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Taigan roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Taigan is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Taigan have high prey drive?
Taigan dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Taigan dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Taigan Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Taigans are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Taigan dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan bark?
Average to High: The Taigan is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Taigan good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Taigan in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Taigan breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Taigan indoors by introducing daily routines.

Taigan Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Taigan dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Taigan be left alone? How long can you leave a Taigan alone?
Taigan dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Taigan Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Taigan has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Taigan? How much bite force does a Taigan have? How strong is a Taigan bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Taigan bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Taigan measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Taigan is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Taigan bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Taigan bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Taigan puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Taigan, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Taigan bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Taigan can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Taigan bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Taigan? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Taigan has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Taigan do?
Taigan dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Taigan dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Taigan Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Taigan dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Taigan is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Taigan breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Taigan see the vet?
Average
The Taigan should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Taigan dogs live? How old can a Taigan be? What is the age limit of the Taigan? How many years can the oldest Taigan live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Taigan?

How long is the lifespan of a Taigan?

9-13 years
The average lifespan of Taigan: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Taigan Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Taigan have? What is the activity level of the Taigan?
Taigan dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Taigan need? How much exercise do Taigan dogs require per day?

Do Taigan dogs need a lot of exercises?

Taigan dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Taigan breed need?
Taigan dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Taigan Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Taigan need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Taigan breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Taigan? How much food should I feed my Taigan?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Taigan risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Taigan has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Taigan weight regularly.

Taigan Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Taigan have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
SoftThick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Taigan coats?
BlackGray White Brown
Grooming
How to groom the Taigan and how often? How often should I take my Taigan to the groomer?
Average: The Taigan requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Taigan, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Taigan dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan? Do Taigan dogs shed a lot?
Taigan dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Taigan need a bath? How often should you give a Taigan a bath? Can I bathe my Taigan every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Taigan breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Taigan dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Taigan has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Taigan drool?
The Taigan is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Taigan could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Taigan.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Taigan Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Taigan dogs get along with other pets? Are Taigan dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Taigan dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Taigan temperament with other people:
Taigan dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Taigan dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Taigan temperament with children:
Taigan dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Taigan dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Taigan breed live with a cat?
Taigan dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Taigan good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Taigan dogs get along with other dogs?
Taigan dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Taigan breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Taigan breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Taigan dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Taigan dogs good office canines? Do Taigan dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Taigan is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Taigan dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan temperament with senior people? Are Taigan dogs good for elderly owners?
Taigans are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Taigan As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Taigan be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Taigan is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Taigan be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Taigan be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Taigan is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Taigan be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Taigan is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Taigan be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Taigan is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Taigan be a boat dog?

Not really

Taigan breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Taigan be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Taigan is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Taigan dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Taigan Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Taigan pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Taigan breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Taigan: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Taigan have in a litter? How many puppies can the Taigan breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Taigan have? How many puppies can a Taigan give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Taigan Recognition

AKC Group
Is Taigan recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Taigan recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Taigan Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Taigan dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Taigan dogs are very easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Taigan dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Shedding Level: Taigan dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Taigan is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Taigan has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Taigan dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Taigan dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Taigan dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Taigans are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Taigan dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Taigan breed in the home.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Taigan is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Taigan dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Taigan dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Taigan is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Taigan History

For centuries the Taigan has been valued by the Kyrgyz people as an essential part of their nomadic way of life. According to a legend, a puppy that hatched out of a single egg stolen from the nest of a Kumai mountain vulture grew up to become a Taigan, the dog that saved an entire tribe from starvation by dispatching a pack of wolves attacking their herd of cattle.

In history, this sighthound has been part of the nomadic tribe’s lives as they journeyed through Central Asia and Siberia. The dogs were so treasured that traditionally the only way to get a Taigan was to be given as a gift, or sometimes they were even stolen as once could not buy one.

Moreover, for centuries, Tiagans, also known as Kyrgyz Sighthounds, were indispensable helpmates to their people. These wicked fast dogs hunted for their own food and helped their nomadic masters hunt for their food as well. The breed was very adaptable, reliable, and loved for its hunting abilities. In fact, the Taigan is more than capable of taking on a wolf and winning the fight. However, modernization was not so good for the breed. Industrial development, modern firearms, and the arrival of new people diminished the need for a swift hunting dog. To make matters worse, the ancient tradition of keeping Taigans loose and untethered resulted in many dogs being shot on sight in accordance with an ordinance intended to solve a stray dog problem. This was one of the reasons why the breed began disappearing. Furthermore, in the 1930s, a few breed enthusiasts worked hard to try and save the breed. Eventually, registration of the existing dogs was started by Soviet cynologists. The German invasion of 1941 put a stop to such efforts. An interesting thing I might add is that the seeds of a breed standard for the breed could be found in the same Soviet Union mandate that leads to the creation of the Estonian Hound. However, it wasn’t until 1964 when a Professor called S.A. Miniukhin wrote the first Taigan breed standards which were then accepted by the Kennel Council of the Soviet Union. When Kyrgyzstan became an independent country in 1991 the centralized research of the breed ended. Collective farming collapsed, and those living in rural areas had to rely on hunting with the Taigan once again to earn a living. Conversely, a new upper class adopted the breed as a status symbol and evidence of national pride.

Although, because of such factors and catastrophic situations, it is difficult to tell with certainty how many dogs there are. The purest dogs are said to be found in remote areas, and mountainous country is difficult for experts or researchers to navigate. There is also a Kyrgyz tradition, that a good dog should never be shown to strangers so being able to see a dog is quite difficult. It would require the support of the village’s male elder, as well as the respect of local hunters who would act as intermediaries by asking the owner for permission to see his dog. However, yearly festivals seem to attract the best Taigans who are shown off in competitions for speed and catching. The Taigan is not recognized by the FCI, but it is recognized by a number of kennel clubs including the German Kennel Club.

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